A special thanks goes out to the following individuals for assisting in putting up the tent before the event, which is always a challenge; Mike Faivre, Kurt Cavanaugh, Mark Scholl, Dan Massey, Jon Miller, and Kendall Kyker along with all the high school students who assisted.

This year’s judges were Polo Community School staff Julie Peterson and Carissa Hillison.

We had a beautiful day Saturday and a wonderful turnout for the event.

Trophies went to the following teams: Nick Escobar for People’s Choice, First State Bank Shannon-Polo for Showmanship, Non-Traditional to Gillian’s Island.

The Judges’ Choice went to the Polo Fire Department for their Box Alarm Chili.

The Rock River Valley Blood Center had 40 people come to donate, with their goal of 33, five were deferred and they collected 35 units of blood in honor of the Seventh Annual Larry Lannen Memorial Blood Drive.

Thanks to all who came to donate and there were 10 people who had never donated with Rock River Valley Blood Center, so they were very happy with the turnout.

This year’s 50/50 raffle winner was Al Coffman who went home with $240.

Thanks again to everyone whether you participated, donated or attended and we look forward to seeing you at the 2014 Polo Chili Cook-Off on Sept. 27, 2014.

Susie Corbitt

Polo Chamber of Commerce , Treasurer

Ambulance crew addresses concerns

Dear Editor,

We are writing this letter to explain some concerns that have come to our attention.

One of these concerns is why people are seeing more than one ambulance or why we may meet up with another ambulance en route to the hospital.

It will often be Midwest Ambulance Service from Freeport or Freeport Rural Ambulance that we call for assistance.

The reason for this is due to state protocols we need to follow.

We are a basic life support ambulance service and these other services are advanced life support.

If someone is having heart problems, breathing problems, stroke, diabetic or any severe medical or trauma problems we will request the highest level of care possible to assist us with the patient’s needs.

This also includes the occasional request for a helicopter.

We are a completely volunteer service for both the ambulance and fire department.

We are also operating on a very low number of crew members at this time.

At times there is only one EMT in the district and by state law we need two EMT’s in the ambulance to transport a patient to the hospital.

This is another reason why we may call for additional help.

A lot of small communities operating a volunteer service are having this same problem of being short handed.

If you live in another district they, too, may require additional help.

The fireman also could use extra manpower.

If anyone has a desire to give back to their community and wants to consider joining the fire department, ambulance, or both, please contact the department by phone at 815-938-2345 or call Nina Moring at 815-938-3119 and leave a message and someone will get back to you.

You may also talk to any crew members of both the fire or ambulance.

The ambulance has two meetings per month on the second and fourth Mondays starting at 7 p.m. at the station on Main Street.

The Fire Department has meetings on the first, third, and fourth Monday nights at 7 p.m.

You can also just stop in to see what we do and what all we do. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at any time.

We are also planning an open house for the 42 years of our service to our community.

We will have an honor time for two of our semi-retired ambulance crew members that helped start the ambulance service for our district.

It will be held at the community room at the station on Nov. 3, 2013, from 2 to 4 p.m. All are welcome to come show their appreciation of service and look over our fire station and equipment.

Nina Moring

Forreston Ambulance Service

Lions served pork chops

Dear Editor,

The Forreston Lions Club would like to thank everyone who joined us for our pork chop BBQ.

We wish to thank the Depot for furnishing the ice.

We thank all the Lions members and spouses who worked that night.

We also want to thank Renee, Connie, and Shirley from Shannon and the Leo Club for coming and helping us.

As you know the Lions support the summer rec and youth ball programs. There are many other programs we support.

Therefore we really appreciate when the Forreston community supports us. Thank you!

Co Chairman: Alice Akins, Shirley Green

Forreston

Maxson’s will close Oct. 31

Dear Editor,

The Wiesner family regrets to announce, after more than 20 years in operation, Maxson Restaurant & Riverboat will be closing October 31, 2013. The decision to close has been tremendously difficult, but we’ve come to realize that now is the best time for this to happen. We humbly take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation for your patronage over the years.

We believe Maxson’s will reopen, under new ownership, in the very near future to carry on a legacy that was started by the Maxson family in 1952. We thank our many customers, staff, friends, family and vendors that have supported us over the past 20 years.

Sincerely,

Captain Rich Wiesner and Family

Oregon

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